May 19

We left Great Sale Cay at a little before 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 19 to head back to the United States. 

After a completely uneventfuly day, we arrived at Fort Pierce, Florida and headed toward the Harbourtown Marina.   After refueling and washing the salt from the boat, we headed to the restaurant for dinner.  Glad to be back in the states enjoying iced tea!

Last Sunset on Great Sale Cay in Bahamas

May 18, 2013

Last  Sunset in the Bahama's

After getting Caroline on the Green Turtle Ferry to Treasure Cay, we left the Green Turtle Marina and headed toward Great Sale Cay.  I was a little uneasy just thinking about anchoring at Great Sale Cay.  It is in the middle of no where.  I was pleasantly surprised to find 8 boats anchored at this protected stopping point for people heading to the Bahamas and those like us who returning.  We saw Rhapsody & Believe It Or Not, two boats we frequently spotted during our time here. 

We heard a cry from a stranded boat about 15 miles away called Monterey over the VHF  We were happy to hear a speed boat was able to rescue them and tow them into Rosie's Place, a marina where they might be able to get some repairs. 

The sunset on our last night here was spectacular.  Shortly after the sun set, we headed off to bed to get as much sleep as possible for our early morning departure--4:00 a.m. at the latest.

Caroline waiting for Green Turtle Ferry

Caroline waiting for ferry

More Green Turtle Pictures

More Green Turtle Pictures

It is rare to see police or police vehicles in the Bahamas

Spent some time here after wandering around

Turtle theme everywhere

Green Turtle Jail

In the Pink Clink

Steve opened the door and found the remains of prisoners.

Green Turtle Cay

After making around the Whale, we headed to Green Turtle Cay.   We stayed at the Green Turtle Marina to stock up on water before making our way to Great Sale Cay and then on to Fort Pierce, FL.
As soon as we got tied up at the dock, we headed off to explore Green Turtle.

Green Turtle Cay Post Office

Free Range Chicken

Going Around the Whale

Today we are going around the most difficult and dangerous part of the Abaco Islands   Whale Cay Channel is made difficult because a shallow bank extends from Whale Cay to Treasure Cay which is on the mainland of Great Abaco.  The shallow bank makes it necessary for vessels drawing more than 3 or 4 feet to go outside into the big ocean and around the "Whale" in order to go north & east in the Abacos.  It is most important to look at the weather forecast, the seas (height of waves) and storm action all around.  


Rage seas can develop in this channel when ocean waves come in from the northeast--often occurring when there is a nor'easter.  A rage sea is a condition in which there are breaking waves all the way across.  This rage phenomenon makes the water so turbulent that the propellers won't grip making it easy to lose control of the vessel.  The rough waves can also easily push the boat into the rocks and reef.  

I have been fearing this passage almost since the day I learned of it, but I knew that I must make it through in order to get home.  Since we got to the Abacos, we have been soaking in the information about "The Whale"  from more experienced boaters.  Steve paid close attention to weather and water conditions before we decided to make the crossing.  

A wrecked barge of some sort invokes fear at the crossing

We made it around without a hitch--heading to Green Turtle Cay now.  One Cay closer to home.  

Treasure Cay- May 16

Happy Birthday to our oldest daughter!  Katy is 25 today--she never has liked getting older.  On her third birthday she cried because she wanted to be two--go figure.  She is in Charleston with her friends to attend a wedding for her friend Champagne.  I am sure she is having fun at the wedding and all the pre-wedding festivities.  

We left Man-O-War early to head to Treasure Cay.

I like this boat moored beside us

The bow of the boat as we exit Man-o-War with the flag flying

As soon as we got to the anchorage at Treasure Cay, I walked Caroline and Lainey to the beach.  We sat down to soak up the sun and gaze at the beautiful water.  After a while, we headed to the pool, then to the boat to clean up for pizza night at the Treasure Cay Marina.  

The restaurant was packed for pizza night. 

"Happy Birthday Katy"

Piper waiting for some pizza

Hey they have pizza over there--maybe I'll just go visit them

Lainey giving me "The Look"

"If I can't have any pizza, then take me home."